UMass hockey goaltender Paul Dainton named captain

The Republican / Mark M. MurrayPaul Dainton is a leader on and off the ice for the UMass hockey team.

From the goaltender out, the University of Massachusetts hockey team will have capable leaders on the ice.

Senior goaltender Paul Dainton has been named the team captain while junior forward T.J. Syner of Springfield, and junior defenseman Michael Marcou are the assistants.

"It's unusual, but not unprecedented," UMass coach Toot Cahoon said of having a goaltender as a captain.

Dainton's most important role as captain will be done in the locker room. He cannot be a game-day captain on the ice. For games, an alternate captain will be serve that role.

Captains oversee everything that goes on in the locker room, including the room's cleanliness, and the neatness of the changing table. They lead in such things as stretching exercises and weight room activities.

Cahoon said Syner is more of the "quiet leader". He leads by example with his hard work, but Cahoon thinks he'll be more vocal as he goes on.